About
A strong deciduous fern, slowly forming a massive clump, with fronds bipinnately divided, the fronds, pinnae and pinnules forked or crested at the tips; fertile fronds are tipped with rusty-brown spore-bearing segments in summer.
About the genus
Osmunda are medium-sized to large deciduous ferns, usually from wet places, with erect or arching, pinnate or bipinnate fronds, bearing spores either on modified pinnae or on separate, smaller fronds
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Will tolerate alkaline soils if plenty of fibrous compost is incorporated. Useful for very wet sites
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free outdoors